The four-seam
fastball is the most common pitch to throw during any
given game. Most pitchers throw this pitch 60%-80% of the
time. It is vital to be able to throw the four seam hard
and with good accuracy as you will rely on it
often. Many
pitchers like to throw the four seam fastball inside to
batters because it is a straighter pitch than the two
seam. However,
you have to be careful because many batters that crowd
the plate are looking for an inside pitch to
hit. You have
to choose who you want to battle on the inside with this
fastball.
To grip a four-seam
fastball, place your index and middle finger over the
widest seems of the baseball (the horseshoe). Your thumb should
be placed on the bottom part of the baseball, therefore
splitting the baseball in half between your index and middle
fingers. Make sure there is a gap between the ball and your
palm near the base of your thumb. Younger pitchers
will
Tend to have a smaller gap because of smaller hands, that’s
okay. It’s also okay
for them to use three fingers if their fingers are not long
enough for two.
If your fingers
are long enough to throw with two fingers leave a space
between the ball and the inner part of the palm. This
promotes good backwards rotation.
This pitch is designed to be thrown with maximum velocity and
backspin rotation. A loose wrist will allow this pitch to be
released from your fingers with severe backspin and with a 12
o’clock 6 o’clock rotation. This pitch is designed to be
straight and hard. In order to make sure this happens; finish
with your finger tips moving towards the catcher as long as
possible to insure maximum extension.
This pitch is most often used early in the
count to get ahead of hitters. It is also used to set up off
speed pitches often making them more effective. It should be
said that throwing a good fastball in a count that typically
favors an off speed pitch is a good weapon from time to time.
Be careful throwing this pitch with the same velocity too many
times in a row. Because of its straight trajectory, the
four-seam fastball is a pitch that can be timed relatively easily by
many hitters.
Remember your job as a pitcher is
to keep the hitters off balance.
You will need
much more than this pitch in your arsenal if you want to
survive.
Avoid common mistakes with these
seven pitches!
Additional Pitching
Links
Pitching Mechanics
Pitching
Grips
Pitching Tips
Baseball Drills
Pitching Drills
Baseball Pitching
Grips
Baseball
Pitching
Pitching Instruction
Pitching
Techniques
Pitching Workouts
Baseball Pitches
Pitching Velocity
Pitching
Pitching
Lessons
Baseball Pitching Workouts
How to Pitch
How to Throw a Baseball
| 